tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39059838668447930352017-07-23T02:05:15.961-07:00Ultra HippyUltra Hippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07333037706142713838noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905983866844793035.post-33629656435523281582016-06-17T13:39:00.002-07:002016-06-17T13:43:48.896-07:00It's not all in the genes<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">The ACTN3&nbsp;</span><span style="background: white; color: #333435; font-size: 12.0pt;">gene</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">&nbsp;contains instructions for making alpha-actinin-3. Alpha-actinin-3 is a protein associated with fast twitch muscles. I.e. the muscle sprinters, long jumpers and weight lifters use for&nbsp; their explosive powers.&nbsp; You inherit this protein via your DNA from your mother and your father. All Olympians have inherited this protein from at least one parent with one known exception who like 18% of the population has inherited a gene variant from both parents that doesn't make this protein.</span></div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f53l79FCzVQ/V2Rfwc1jKGI/AAAAAAAAAhU/sLnJ6UQ3Hy4iDR9cihlCpt6LFK6O8DaigCLcB/s1600/gene.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f53l79FCzVQ/V2Rfwc1jKGI/AAAAAAAAAhU/sLnJ6UQ3Hy4iDR9cihlCpt6LFK6O8DaigCLcB/s1600/gene.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">I have had a DNA test and my ACTN3 gene doesn't make the protein, meaning I have inherited a variant from both of my parents that lacks it. In all the studies I have read there is a general consensus that the alpha-actinin-3 protein gives athletes about a 3% improvement in performance in explosive sports. There is also a theory that the opposite may be true too, in that the lack of this protein is predominate in endurance athletes and the lack of it seems to help this end of the sporting spectrum. There is, though more research needed as the link is tenuous at the moment.</span></div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Now let's say I was a 5km runner and I was lacking this gene and lets also say I want to get faster. If you look at a typical park run the winner is usually around sub 18 minutes. So a top amateur runner can run a 5km in 18 minutes (or less but let's keep the numbers simple)&nbsp; I lack alpha-actinin-3 so therefore I would be 3% slower. 3% of 18 is 0.54 which equals 32.4 seconds.&nbsp; It is therefore still possible for me to run my 5k in 18:34.4.&nbsp; This would put me in the top 3 at a lot of parkruns.&nbsp; I therefore can't blame my genes for not running a sub 20 5k yet.</span></div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">I have always believed it's hard work to get where you want to be and your genes have little to do with this. Most people believe it's your genes that give you your IQ, your athletic ability, your inability to lose weight, but blaming or praising your genes for your short comings or 'natural abilities' is wrong. It leads you to not putting in the effort required to get where you want to be. Most 'natural' athletes, musicians, chess players, etc etc have spent countless hours and hard work honing their craft.&nbsp; Children of musicians often end up as musicians themselves because they had access to instruments from the day they were born.&nbsp;</div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><h2><b>It took 10 years to become an overnight success</b></h2><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">If you want to run faster, don't blame your genes. Get out there and train properly.&nbsp; Yes you have to do those hill repeats and those intervals. &nbsp;</span><br /><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">If you want to speak a foreign language stop saying I don't have that sort of brain, start believing and start learning, we all have the right sort of brain if we want to do it.&nbsp;</div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">If you want to lose weight, be honest with yourself and don't blame the 'fat' gene for the chocolate biscuits you just ate.&nbsp;</div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div>Ultra Hippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07333037706142713838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905983866844793035.post-9745120248395232182016-03-23T05:28:00.004-07:002016-03-23T05:28:44.618-07:00Athens 24A little musing from the Athens 24 hour race in ....hmmm Athens<br /><a href="http://ultrahippy.blogspot.co.uk/p/athens-ultrafestival-24-hours.html">race report</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DrvYAPQLcVE/VvKKJwtWPKI/AAAAAAAAAfo/8NrFiVTx5YARTb5FyeND3nYT0CJ4XeXvQ/s1600/12325723_10154001930502748_1304653056_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DrvYAPQLcVE/VvKKJwtWPKI/AAAAAAAAAfo/8NrFiVTx5YARTb5FyeND3nYT0CJ4XeXvQ/s320/12325723_10154001930502748_1304653056_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8T6ONSu8uvM/VvKKJk7WohI/AAAAAAAAAfo/aaO2tpKaziwDlm_3UUUuGkOTZmyZVCL_Q/s1600/12421877_10154001930142748_202023602_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8T6ONSu8uvM/VvKKJk7WohI/AAAAAAAAAfo/aaO2tpKaziwDlm_3UUUuGkOTZmyZVCL_Q/s320/12421877_10154001930142748_202023602_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C1DwR1edXoI/VvKKKL8QETI/AAAAAAAAAfo/5XQEEETBR-0JrDBGVfIdtAwGOrAFII00g/s1600/12499603_10154001930492748_1105180260_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C1DwR1edXoI/VvKKKL8QETI/AAAAAAAAAfo/5XQEEETBR-0JrDBGVfIdtAwGOrAFII00g/s320/12499603_10154001930492748_1105180260_o.jpg" width="179" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E195iz67MtY/VvKKK_-_lTI/AAAAAAAAAfo/_vTlRqPzV7U_eGPsv6MesRX0Vk4cPtfFA/s1600/12528572_10154001930497748_1883730270_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E195iz67MtY/VvKKK_-_lTI/AAAAAAAAAfo/_vTlRqPzV7U_eGPsv6MesRX0Vk4cPtfFA/s320/12528572_10154001930497748_1883730270_o.jpg" width="179" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BzQHryGi_rQ/VvKKMl8iFQI/AAAAAAAAAfo/Ke2tNSCEH6cSh0DYEoWy7oguqG3Y5n26w/s1600/12674930_10154001930352748_83771856_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BzQHryGi_rQ/VvKKMl8iFQI/AAAAAAAAAfo/Ke2tNSCEH6cSh0DYEoWy7oguqG3Y5n26w/s320/12674930_10154001930352748_83771856_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UnspDKwcFeg/VvKKM-H3IbI/AAAAAAAAAfo/Z80Pyr5X0MEALDJfqfK-Q9fRny17iM4Xg/s1600/12722636_10154001930477748_128182190_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UnspDKwcFeg/VvKKM-H3IbI/AAAAAAAAAfo/Z80Pyr5X0MEALDJfqfK-Q9fRny17iM4Xg/s320/12722636_10154001930477748_128182190_o.jpg" width="179" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jp6cOrf9AwY/VvKKOJjjB3I/AAAAAAAAAfo/KbW_Hjprve868AvmFNlLsGGzzxYna5LzQ/s1600/IMG_20160319_114248967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jp6cOrf9AwY/VvKKOJjjB3I/AAAAAAAAAfo/KbW_Hjprve868AvmFNlLsGGzzxYna5LzQ/s320/IMG_20160319_114248967.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rBCeIG6ZDfs/VvKKOjOAHwI/AAAAAAAAAfo/W4s0zFaDy44kK1Pfmwv2Jk9CAo4mBo54A/s1600/IMG_20160319_114133108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rBCeIG6ZDfs/VvKKOjOAHwI/AAAAAAAAAfo/W4s0zFaDy44kK1Pfmwv2Jk9CAo4mBo54A/s320/IMG_20160319_114133108.jpg" width="179" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bMMfdMkUIas/VvKKNugWNeI/AAAAAAAAAfo/8f85iz9f2eMg9BuVVg4FpIMuJkbyiKejw/s1600/IMG_20160319_114125315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bMMfdMkUIas/VvKKNugWNeI/AAAAAAAAAfo/8f85iz9f2eMg9BuVVg4FpIMuJkbyiKejw/s320/IMG_20160319_114125315.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Ultra Hippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07333037706142713838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905983866844793035.post-90748489125694951812015-12-21T00:42:00.000-08:002015-12-21T00:42:17.813-08:002015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8lka5VX6vp4/Vne6n_8K46I/AAAAAAAAAek/phS5L54A7cQ/s1600/100_1644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8lka5VX6vp4/Vne6n_8K46I/AAAAAAAAAek/phS5L54A7cQ/s320/100_1644.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;"></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.6667px;">2015 was a good year for me.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.6667px;">It started with a 202km 24 hour run at Athens Ultra festival followed a few weeks later by a 12 hour PB of 118 km at Crawley.</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.6667px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-08kOl-OcHkQ/Vne7FQQoxkI/AAAAAAAAAew/lJ8UJ7W_YUs/s1600/12022493_10153147209884849_5552631248659943987_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-08kOl-OcHkQ/Vne7FQQoxkI/AAAAAAAAAew/lJ8UJ7W_YUs/s320/12022493_10153147209884849_5552631248659943987_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I was accepted to race for the GB AG Triathlon team in Weymouth and also was in the unofficial GB team for the Spartathlon in Greece.&nbsp; It was an honour to represent my country in 2 different sports</span></div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n2J-Hv4HPBA/Vne6Sy0-XfI/AAAAAAAAAeY/a7-xTTEu1u0/s1600/sparta%2Bphoto%2Bclub.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n2J-Hv4HPBA/Vne6Sy0-XfI/AAAAAAAAAeY/a7-xTTEu1u0/s320/sparta%2Bphoto%2Bclub.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Next year&nbsp; I am going to put my name forward for the Spartathlon again, but will give triathlon a break so I can focus and do a better job in ultra running.</div>Ultra Hippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07333037706142713838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905983866844793035.post-30049509228222159042015-10-20T04:34:00.002-07:002015-10-20T04:34:53.614-07:00A100At the weekend I ran the A100. &nbsp;As it was 3 weeks after Sparta and my quads blowing &nbsp;up I didn't have any expectations except that I didn't expect to finish!<br /><br />The whole 21 and 1/2 hours I was waiting for my legs to give up but they didn't. &nbsp;My quads ached from time to time, but I tried to ignore them and keep running. &nbsp;After Sparta I did some reading and apparently, even though you think slowing will rest the quads and get you back on track it is the wrong thing to do. &nbsp;You really need to run through it. &nbsp;I also know that if I start walking for too long I never get running again. &nbsp;So I try to keep running even if I drop to 9 minute kilometres as I know at some point I will speed up again. &nbsp;I do of course walk the steeper hills still.<br /><br />The race is 4 x 25 mile out and back spurs. &nbsp;During the first 25 miles I wondered what I was doing and was trying to think of a reason to stop, but I couldn't find one. &nbsp;On the second leg at mile 36 I went flying down a hill landing on my right elbow and knee and winding myself. &nbsp;I walked the last mile and a 1/2 to the turn point, thinking this was my reason to quit. &nbsp;I got some wet wipes and wiped the mud off, there were no cuts, just a scratch on my elbow. &nbsp;I turned to the guy at the checkpoint who was helping me and said ' I can't quit can I, it's just a scratch.' &nbsp;He of course said no. &nbsp;So I left for the return leg. &nbsp;I was a little worried my knee may have taken a knock during the fall, but it was fine and by the time I got to the cross over point at mile 50 I had forgotten all about it. &nbsp;So now I knew I would finish, &nbsp;whatever this race threw at me wasn't going to stop me. &nbsp;It wasn't going to let me have a decent enough excuse to stop!. &nbsp;I had 19 hours left to do 50 miles &nbsp;and 15 hours for a sub 24. &nbsp;I was even thinking about a sub 20. &nbsp;It was definitely doable at this point. &nbsp;The last 50 miles went without incident and I slowed as expected. Returning on the last leg I met Emily looking a bit lost. &nbsp;She had somehow gone in a circle and was heading the wrong way. &nbsp;I remembered her passing me a while back. &nbsp;We joined up and I showed her the right way back to the river. &nbsp;By now &nbsp;I had settled for sub 24 in my head and that was easy with a walk. &nbsp;However we teamed up and ran together the for &nbsp;last 10 miles and this helped me run a bit more than I was prepared to do on my own. &nbsp;Chatting and running made the time go by and we soon finished.<br /><br />I enjoyed the race and it has made me wonder what I could do if I trained for it and didn't do it off the back of another silly season of too many races too close together. &nbsp;So next year is all down to the Sparta raffle. &nbsp;If I get in it's only Sparta and If I don't I have a race calendar to work out. &nbsp;A100?Ultra Hippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07333037706142713838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905983866844793035.post-53290526019869237512015-09-29T02:26:00.003-07:002015-09-29T02:26:26.199-07:00Spartathlon 2015I have added a new&nbsp;<a href="http://ultrahippy.blogspot.co.uk/p/i-feel-empty-boredpurposeless.html">race report</a>&nbsp;for the Spartathlon<div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QA-oNjCrOWE/VgpWvPd_mgI/AAAAAAAAAd8/4KS8jozZmKM/s1600/20150925_063826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QA-oNjCrOWE/VgpWvPd_mgI/AAAAAAAAAd8/4KS8jozZmKM/s320/20150925_063826.jpg" width="240" /></a><br /></div></div>Ultra Hippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07333037706142713838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905983866844793035.post-83047156371894262652015-06-08T05:35:00.001-07:002015-06-08T05:38:57.625-07:00Pacing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GRlELguea5Y/VXWLpQtsi5I/AAAAAAAAAdQ/5iTeJCF8MsY/s1600/good%2Bpace%2Brun.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GRlELguea5Y/VXWLpQtsi5I/AAAAAAAAAdQ/5iTeJCF8MsY/s400/good%2Bpace%2Brun.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />I was really pleased with my pace today. &nbsp;Each lap got faster, except the last one which was a cool down. &nbsp;My heart rate was interesting too. &nbsp;Seeing how much each extra little bit of effort made.Ultra Hippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07333037706142713838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905983866844793035.post-19940354946767697872015-05-08T03:36:00.003-07:002015-06-08T05:36:33.019-07:00TP100 2015<div>Last weekend saw the TP100. Richmond to Oxford on the Thames path. I need to write it up, but for now a few pictures from the event.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UXOn7-wqlc0/VUyOrVCUqxI/AAAAAAAAAc0/vyqCsUWeJ0w/s1600/TP100%2B800x%2B533%2B(Small).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UXOn7-wqlc0/VUyOrVCUqxI/AAAAAAAAAc0/vyqCsUWeJ0w/s640/TP100%2B800x%2B533%2B(Small).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://stuartmarchphotography.photodeck.com/">Photo by Stuart March Photography</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cS9p22YTjJQ/VUyOrVomPcI/AAAAAAAAAcs/63t7nT-iHrQ/s1600/Kingston%2Bbridge_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cS9p22YTjJQ/VUyOrVomPcI/AAAAAAAAAcs/63t7nT-iHrQ/s400/Kingston%2Bbridge_c.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/132159580@N08/sets/72157652314459291">Photo by Nigel Rothwell</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DVBveF2SSOY/VUyOrR9MYnI/AAAAAAAAAcw/WrYNGNpMi_Y/s1600/TP100%2B2015%2BWhitchurh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DVBveF2SSOY/VUyOrR9MYnI/AAAAAAAAAcw/WrYNGNpMi_Y/s400/TP100%2B2015%2BWhitchurh.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Angharad Thomas</td></tr></tbody></table>Ultra Hippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07333037706142713838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905983866844793035.post-3495748641904782272015-04-03T02:57:00.000-07:002015-04-03T02:57:18.078-07:0010th Athens Ultra festivalI have added a new&nbsp;<a href="http://ultrahippy.blogspot.gr/p/training-it-had-been-good-winter-for.html">race report here</a>&nbsp;for the 10th Athens International Ultra festivalUltra Hippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07333037706142713838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905983866844793035.post-68669274040454579262015-02-01T12:17:00.003-08:002015-02-01T12:18:22.934-08:00Training Week 4 2015<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Week 4 2015 - Next race Athens 24 hour on March the 28th </div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="direction: ltr;"><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; direction: ltr;" valign="top"> <tbody><tr> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 1.3388in;"><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Monday</div></td> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.7243in;"><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Cycled to&nbsp; work and ran home - 22k,21k</div></td> </tr><tr> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 1.3388in;"><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Tuesday</div></td> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.7243in;"><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Ran to work and cycled home - 21k, 22k</div></td> </tr><tr> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 1.3388in;"><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Wednesday</div></td> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.7243in;"><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Cycled to&nbsp; work and ran home - 22k,21k</div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Ran 6.2k at lunchtime @ 4.21 per km</div></td> </tr><tr> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 1.3388in;"><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Thursday</div></td> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.7243in;"><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Ran to work and cycled home - 21k, 22k</div></td> </tr><tr> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 1.3388in;"><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Friday</div></td> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.7243in;"><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Ran to work - 21k</div></td> </tr><tr> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 1.3388in;"><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Saturday</div></td> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.7243in;"><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Rest day</div></td> </tr><tr> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 1.3388in;"><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Sunday </div></td> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.7243in;"><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Ran 2.6km </div></td> </tr></tbody></table></div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Run: 113.6k</div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Bike: 88k</div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Swim: 0k</div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">A tiring but rewarding week.&nbsp; I ran to or from work every day.&nbsp; So a 1/2 marathon a day for 5 days.&nbsp; With a bit of speed midweek, when a steady recovery run turned into a bit of a race with work colleagues. On Wednesday I felt a twinge at the back of my left knee on the run home.&nbsp; It didn't stop me running but twinges every now and then and I have to be careful not to twist it.&nbsp; I rested Saturday and had the opportunity to run Sunday, even though I was at home with my family. The twinge was still there.&nbsp; So I stopped running and walked home.&nbsp; Hopefully next week it will be better.&nbsp; It's not something I can't run with, but I want to be careful not to compensate and cause a real injury, with only 8&nbsp; weeks to go until my first race of the season and with the build up going so well.</div>Ultra Hippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07333037706142713838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905983866844793035.post-60599793512997844052015-01-26T06:58:00.001-08:002015-02-01T12:18:39.672-08:00Training Week 3 2015 <div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Week 3 2015 - Next race Athens 24 hour on March the 28th </div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="direction: ltr;"><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; direction: ltr;" valign="top"> <tbody><tr> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 1.3388in;"><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Monday</div></td> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.7243in;"><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Cycled to&nbsp; work and ran home - 22k,21k</div></td> </tr><tr> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 1.3388in;"><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Tuesday</div></td> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.7243in;"><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Ran to work and cycled home - 21k, 22k</div></td> </tr><tr> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 1.3388in;"><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Wednesday</div></td> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.7243in;"><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Ran 7k at lunchtime</div></td> </tr><tr> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 1.3388in;"><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Thursday</div></td> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.7243in;"><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Cycled to&nbsp; work and ran home - 22k,21k</div></td> </tr><tr> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 1.3388in;"><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Friday</div></td> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.7243in;"><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Ran to work and cycled home - 21k, 22k</div></td> </tr><tr> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 1.3388in;"><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Saturday</div></td> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.7243in;"><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Rest day</div></td> </tr><tr> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 1.3388in;"><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Sunday </div></td> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.7243in;"><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Cycled to pool and swam 35k,2.25k</div></td> </tr></tbody></table></div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Run: 91k</div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Bike: 167k</div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Swim: 2.25k</div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">A good week, building up running distance nicely. I am pleased with how I felt and the pace on the 21k runs was consistent.&nbsp; Wednesday being shorter was faster and with company to push me on a bit. Friday was due to be my rest day, but with the weather below freezing I decided it was safer to run to work than cycle and took Saturday as a rest day instead.&nbsp; Sunday the legs were still a little tired so I opted for a swim instead of a run.&nbsp;</div>Ultra Hippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07333037706142713838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905983866844793035.post-25820777849979631702015-01-19T08:50:00.000-08:002015-01-19T08:50:10.131-08:00Training Week 2 2015<div lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Next race Athens 24 hour on March the 28th </div><div lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="direction: ltr;"> <table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; direction: ltr;" valign="top"> <tbody><tr> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 1.3388in;"> <div lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Saturday</div></td> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 4.0354in;"> <div lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Ran - 12.8k</div></td> </tr><tr> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 1.3388in;"> <div lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Sunday </div></td> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 4.0354in;"> <div lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Rest day</div></td> </tr><tr> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 1.3388in;"> <div lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Monday</div></td> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 4.0354in;"> <div lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Cycled to&nbsp; work and ran home - 22k,21k</div></td> </tr><tr> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 1.3388in;"> <div lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Tuesday</div></td> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 4.0354in;"> <div lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Ran to work and cycled home - 21k, 22k &nbsp;(also took my C25K group out)</div></td> </tr><tr> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 1.3388in;"> <div lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Wednesday</div></td> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 4.0354in;"> <div lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Cycled to and from work Ran 6k at lunchtime - 44k, 6.3k</div></td> </tr><tr> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 1.3388in;"> <div lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Thursday</div></td> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 4.0354in;"> <div lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Cycled to and from work&nbsp; (also took my C25K group out) - 44k</div></td> </tr><tr> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 1.3388in;"> <div lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Friday</div></td> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 4.0354in;"> <div lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Cycled to and from work - 44k</div></td> </tr><tr> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 1.3388in;"> <div lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Saturday</div></td> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 4.0354in;"> <div lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Ran - 25k</div></td> </tr><tr> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 1.3388in;"> <div lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Sunday </div></td> <td style="border-color: #A3A3A3; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt 4pt 4pt 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 4.0354in;"> <div lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Rest day</div></td> </tr></tbody></table></div><div lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Run: 88k</div><div lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Bike: 182k</div><div lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Swim: 0k</div><div lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">I have switched to reporting from Monday to Sunday as that’s how I have my spreadsheet laid out!</div><div lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">I started a C25K session at work for people new to running.&nbsp; I have 6 willing souls and it has been great fun.&nbsp; I am surprised how much it has motivated me too! Also on Wednesday 4 people joined me for a lunch time run, again the motivation was great, running with other people.</div><div lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">It was a good week for me.&nbsp; The running was nice ranging from feeling good to excellent.&nbsp; Swimming took a hit as the weather got colder, but there's no hurry with that, as the race with a swim in it is a long way off!</div>Ultra Hippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07333037706142713838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905983866844793035.post-82223370652434055992015-01-09T09:01:00.004-08:002015-01-09T09:01:57.495-08:00Training Week 1 2015<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Next race Athens 24 hour on March the 28th </div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Monday&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cycled to and from work - 44k</div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Tuesday&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cycled to work ran home - 22k, 21k</div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Wednesday&nbsp; Cycled to and from work- 44k</div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Thursday&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ran to work Cycled home 21k, 22k</div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Friday&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cycled to work, swam on the way and cycled home 28k,2k,22k</div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Run: 42k</div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Bike: 182k</div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Swim: 2k</div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">I now have 11 weeks to go until the 24 hour race in Athens.&nbsp; My primary training is running with swimming as cross training and cycling to work on the days I don't run.&nbsp; I managed all my planned sessions this week except Wednesday morning when I decide to miss my swim.&nbsp; I had a cold over the new year and my RHR was 42 when I woke up.&nbsp; It had dropped back down to 38 by Friday. This is still high for me and it did make the swim hard work.&nbsp; During the first 10 lengths I nearly stopped as I was out of breath. I slowed down a little and felt better so was able to make my planned 2k in the end.&nbsp; I have a fairly light weekend planned, so am hoping the rest/recovery will get my RHR down to normal and training can pick up a little.</div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">Both the runs were also hard work.&nbsp; On Tuesday I started out feeling good only to fatigue pretty quickly and Thursday had more walking in the run than I would of liked.&nbsp; I was about 10 minutes over my easy pace for the 21k.&nbsp; I think the Xmas break and the cold took a little of my endurance away.&nbsp; Still, there's no need to panic as this will pick up over the coming month.</div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">I've also started a lunch time running session at work for some people new to running.&nbsp; Next Tuesday I am going to start them on a C25k plan.&nbsp; I am looking forward to this and really hope I can get some of them enjoy running and want to get them all to a parkrun 5k at the end of 9 or 10 weeks. (I haven't told them this as I don't want to scare them off and I think 5k will seem like a step too far on day 1)&nbsp; I am also planning a run with some other colleagues who already run a little.&nbsp; So a bit faster, but hopefully slow enough to be a recovery run though, as I plan to run to and from work a more as the weeks go by.</div>Ultra Hippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07333037706142713838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905983866844793035.post-77553901056691805212014-11-19T09:16:00.002-08:002014-11-19T09:16:18.192-08:00Athens Marathon - The AuthenticWhat to say? &nbsp;I ran 26 miles and some. It was hard. I felt good at 10km so ran a little too hard and hit 1/2 way 4 minutes up on schedule. &nbsp;Did that cost me the 14 minutes I was over my 3:30 target? &nbsp;I still got a PB even though I had a nice positive split (again) &nbsp;One day I may get it right! &nbsp;Oh yes, My calf cramps started really early, before the 1/2 way, but I did my best to ignore them and with a little help from another runner who encouraged me to run with him, managed to avoid walking except the aid stations.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9uTYDcyY6PA/VGzOv59U1jI/AAAAAAAAAaY/p5nb4Bo23Ts/s1600/Athens%2Bmarathon%2B2014%2B5km.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9uTYDcyY6PA/VGzOv59U1jI/AAAAAAAAAaY/p5nb4Bo23Ts/s1600/Athens%2Bmarathon%2B2014%2B5km.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5km</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o5wKCfxFsMU/VGzOv6NvhXI/AAAAAAAAAag/rO89UVmDDZU/s1600/athens%2Bmarathon%2B2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o5wKCfxFsMU/VGzOv6NvhXI/AAAAAAAAAag/rO89UVmDDZU/s1600/athens%2Bmarathon%2B2014.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yv-S_howmkU/VGzOwMPZ6WI/AAAAAAAAAac/IHUgUrSUhaU/s1600/FcertA4.tmpl-2729-QQJD.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yv-S_howmkU/VGzOwMPZ6WI/AAAAAAAAAac/IHUgUrSUhaU/s1600/FcertA4.tmpl-2729-QQJD.jpeg" height="238" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New PB for Athens Marathon</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Ultra Hippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07333037706142713838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905983866844793035.post-55770319428492990782014-10-08T00:58:00.002-07:002014-10-08T00:58:27.308-07:00A look back at 2014With one race left in 2014, Athens Marathon in November I have started planning <a href="http://ultrahippy.blogspot.co.uk/p/2014-schedule.html">2015</a><br /><br />I have Enduroman down as undecided as they have so many races I am still deciding which to do. &nbsp;I want to do the IUTA quin, but that will need a crew. &nbsp;If I don't sort out a crew I will probably do the continuous double, as I know I can look after myself for 24 hours, having done it a few times this year on runs already.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZizFjWk4-rY/VDTtOOpwOEI/AAAAAAAAAZk/dCGkTe0xlCg/s1600/dan_gloucester24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZizFjWk4-rY/VDTtOOpwOEI/AAAAAAAAAZk/dCGkTe0xlCg/s1600/dan_gloucester24.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Dan, the winner</td></tr></tbody></table>My favorite races from 2014 turned out to be the track races. Crawley went really well when I look back at the distance I ran. Gloucester could have been a better performance , but was still a fun race to be in. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mkFx1GNIHug/VDTtOxv8IjI/AAAAAAAAAZw/5iJtgMxCaao/s1600/bill_endure24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mkFx1GNIHug/VDTtOxv8IjI/AAAAAAAAAZw/5iJtgMxCaao/s1600/bill_endure24.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Bill. We ran 16 laps together!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Then Endure 24 turned out to be a mud fest, which surprisingly I did really well in. I was surprised because I hate mud, but I learnt that it was easier to run through it than try to walk. &nbsp;I am starting to think bad weather suits me. 60mph gusts of wind on the bike in Lanza 2012. I even got blown off on the turn point. Only 15 finishers from 40 starters. TP100 2013 saw floods and snow with a finish rate of only 55%. The mud at Endure 24 this year meant only 10 people ran 100 miles or more in 24 hours. &nbsp;It seems what we like: for me flat, clean, warm and no mud, is not what we are always best at!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xd8-RJUMuNY/VDTtPRHD4PI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/7wD_3AbhV40/s1600/weymouth%2Brun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xd8-RJUMuNY/VDTtPRHD4PI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/7wD_3AbhV40/s1600/weymouth%2Brun.jpg" height="320" width="237" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">run forest run!</td></tr></tbody></table>I also enjoyed my only triathlon of the year at Weymouth. &nbsp;The sea was rough and scared the hell out of me, but I made it through the surf to get on the bike. &nbsp;A fast undulating course with very little wind. The run was really well supported, along the sea front. &nbsp;I have already entered for next year as this will be the 5th Challenge UK and I am going for my 5th finish.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5TAtSg2yKbw/VDTtPZngZwI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/mtbdxVtzBwY/s1600/weymouth%2Bswim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5TAtSg2yKbw/VDTtPZngZwI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/mtbdxVtzBwY/s1600/weymouth%2Bswim.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scary as hell!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DEa4aFmEklA/VDTtNyzahxI/AAAAAAAAAZg/BTVotOv-fpg/s1600/10550956_10152607664468689_5331384343839293665_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DEa4aFmEklA/VDTtNyzahxI/AAAAAAAAAZg/BTVotOv-fpg/s1600/10550956_10152607664468689_5331384343839293665_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DEa4aFmEklA/VDTtNyzahxI/AAAAAAAAAZg/BTVotOv-fpg/s1600/10550956_10152607664468689_5331384343839293665_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DEa4aFmEklA/VDTtNyzahxI/AAAAAAAAAZg/BTVotOv-fpg/s1600/10550956_10152607664468689_5331384343839293665_n.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />I was disappointed not to finish the Olympian race. &nbsp;I was caught out by the mountains and need to train more on them. It was also to be my qualifier for the Spartathlon, so I have to rethink that. &nbsp;I still have time as I was planning in entering the Spartathlon in 2016. &nbsp;Maybe I can get my 100km in 10 and 1/2 hours or the 200km in 24 hours in a race, as these are also a way to qualify. Ultra Hippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07333037706142713838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905983866844793035.post-75173177049869592012014-05-20T04:44:00.001-07:002014-05-20T04:44:11.432-07:00Olympian raceI have added a Race report for the Olympian race here:&nbsp;<a href="http://ultrahippy.blogspot.co.uk/p/race-olympian-website-httpaethlios.html">Race Report</a>. I have tried to make it informative for people who want to do it as there are not many reports on this race online and it should be in a few bucket lists! You get to see some very unspoilt parts of Greece far away from the tourist traps.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CD2qcRbZU-g/U3o44DuiFNI/AAAAAAAAAW0/HatBq1EHzGc/s1600/files33ef.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CD2qcRbZU-g/U3o44DuiFNI/AAAAAAAAAW0/HatBq1EHzGc/s1600/files33ef.gif" height="220" width="320" /></a></div><br />Ultra Hippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07333037706142713838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905983866844793035.post-39340025211405023682014-05-03T03:48:00.000-07:002014-05-03T03:48:00.573-07:00Greece - here I come<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tpuizxygj6E/U2TIG9CdygI/AAAAAAAAAVk/gXUlYvLRASk/s1600/trophy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tpuizxygj6E/U2TIG9CdygI/AAAAAAAAAVk/gXUlYvLRASk/s1600/trophy.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">From Crawley to Nemea to Olympia</span><br /><br />Last Saturday I completed my first 12 hour track race. &nbsp;The report is <a href="http://bit.ly/1lIReSc" target="_blank">here</a>. &nbsp;This week I have been cycling to work all week, slowly for recovery. &nbsp;I was feeling good so I went to the track Thursday for the club session. &nbsp;After about 20 minutes My legs were aching big time, so I decided to call it a day and get more rest. &nbsp;My A race is in 2 weeks time! &nbsp;<a href="http://aethlios.gr/portal/index.php?lang=en" target="_blank">The Olympian Race</a>; 180 km across Greece, so recovery is my top priority. &nbsp;This race is a qualifier for the <a href="http://www.spartathlon.gr/" target="_blank">Spartathlon </a>Race that I want to do in 2016.<br /><br />This weeks training consisted of :<br />Sunday: Complete rest<br />Monday: AM cycle 14 miles PM cycle 14 miles<br />Tuesday: AM cycle 14 miles PM cycle 14 miles<br />Wednesday: AM cycle 14 miles PM cycle 14 miles<br />Thursday: AM cycle 14 miles PM cycle 14 mile. Aborted track session (I ran about 2 miles)<br />Friday: AM cycle 14 miles PM cycle 14 miles<div>Saturday: 4 mile walk.</div>Ultra Hippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07333037706142713838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905983866844793035.post-53626976520684620882014-04-18T06:08:00.002-07:002014-04-18T06:08:32.375-07:00From SDW 50 to Crawley 12I have put a <a href="http://ultrahippy.blogspot.gr/p/event-south-downs-way-50-date-5-apr.html" target="_blank">new race report</a> up about the SDW 50 from this year 2014.<br />Recovery is going well and I am really looking forward to the Crawley 12 hour track race in a weeks time.Ultra Hippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07333037706142713838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905983866844793035.post-58912009636850358832014-03-29T14:22:00.004-07:002014-03-29T14:23:38.737-07:00SDW 50 <h2>SDW50 2014</h2><div></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NB7fuhxnGrI/Uzc5EEEJ6sI/AAAAAAAAAS0/KvQ96ip9D6g/s1600/centurion+buckles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NB7fuhxnGrI/Uzc5EEEJ6sI/AAAAAAAAAS0/KvQ96ip9D6g/s1600/centurion+buckles.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>Last year I attempted all 6 of Centurions races completing 5 of them and dropping out of one at mile 76. &nbsp;This year I have only signed up for one as I have other things to do. &nbsp;This is the SDW50 which is next Saturday. &nbsp;I am sat here in sunny Greece remembering the weather last year for the SDW50. It was cold, wet, windy and foggy. I'm hoping for sun. <br /><br />This race is 6 weeks before my A race of the year and it is the first of the season for me to see how my training is going. &nbsp;It feels like it is going well, but I need a benchmark.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://ultrahippy.blogspot.gr/p/sdw50.html">SDW 50 2013 report</a></div><div><a href="http://www.centurionrunning.com/blog/2014/03/23/sdw50-2014-pre-race-preview/" target="_blank">Centurion Running pre race preview</a></div><div><a href="http://ultrahippy.blogspot.gr/p/2014-schedule.html">Race schedule</a></div>Ultra Hippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07333037706142713838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905983866844793035.post-15527100381755740712014-01-07T08:27:00.001-08:002014-01-07T08:27:10.832-08:00Run homeI had a great run last night. &nbsp;It turned into an adventure with the weather. I left work at around 5:40 and headed of on my usual route home. It was slower than usual due to the mud and wind, but speed wasn't the objective of the run so that didn't matter. I ran across the fields and through the Baldon villages, passing the cemetery and thinking about ghouls and ghosts. &nbsp;Luckily they didn't materialise from the graves and I got through in one piece.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RWmTfKNkWjA/UswpRZ8sCWI/AAAAAAAAARc/Gla9Z1M5n6k/s1600/Wallingford+flood.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RWmTfKNkWjA/UswpRZ8sCWI/AAAAAAAAARc/Gla9Z1M5n6k/s1600/Wallingford+flood.JPG" height="221" width="320" /></a></div><br />I ran across more fields and on to Dorchester-On-Thames. &nbsp;Here I ran down a footpath and as I got to the gate at the end I could see water. I ran into the water and within 2 steps it was up to my knees. &nbsp;I stopped and looked at the field. It was completely covered in water. With my torch I could see the surface moving fast. &nbsp;Unsure as to whether there was a current and knowing it would go at least up to my chest I decided not to venture further towards the bridge across the river and turned around. &nbsp;I back tracked to Dorchester and then ran on towards Shillingford. &nbsp;I decided to stick to the roads from now on. &nbsp;I crossed the river at Shillingford bridge. There was pavement all the way to Wallingford and then it was a quiet country road home. &nbsp;I did cut across the fields at the back of my house expecting some water, but it was ok. &nbsp;I arrived home with calve cramps. &nbsp;Maybe 17 miles is a little too far to run after having done nothing for 19 days. &nbsp;It was still very enjoyable and I felt good to feel some pain again.Ultra Hippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07333037706142713838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905983866844793035.post-82320701330814791342014-01-05T14:10:00.002-08:002014-01-05T14:10:27.634-08:00Let the training beginI just had 2 weeks off. &nbsp;Doing completely nothing, no running, no swimming and no cycling. &nbsp;I still ate like I was exercising and consequently put on over 2 kilos during Xmas and the new year. &nbsp;I am not worried. &nbsp;I am sure it will fall off once training starts and training starts tomorrow.<br /><br />My first A race is Nemea in May. Leading up to it I have a 50 mile cross country and a 12 hour track race lined up. &nbsp;So I really need to get started with less than 20 weeks to go before I try to run 180km in 28 hours or less. &nbsp;I hope less, but that's dependent on my training.<br /><br />I am excited about running again. &nbsp;Two weeks off and I have missed running. &nbsp;So tomorrow I will get a lift to work and then run home in the evening. Can't wait!Ultra Hippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07333037706142713838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905983866844793035.post-4508086337296149212014-01-04T06:32:00.000-08:002014-01-04T12:59:16.796-08:00Moving Website to hereI am slowly updating this site with my race reports from the last 2 years. The links are on the right hand side of the page. It is going slow because I am re-reading the reports and floods of good memories are coming back to me, especially the Enduroman at Lanzarote. &nbsp;That was something quite special!Ultra Hippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07333037706142713838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905983866844793035.post-31490224216569922502013-12-29T10:38:00.000-08:002013-12-30T00:38:57.885-08:002013 round up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u>January<o:p></o:p></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The focus for January was 100% on the TP100 race in March.&nbsp; I cycle to work, a 26 mile round trip, so most of my cycling miles are incidental.&nbsp; I find they keep me with a good base fitness, with less injury risk from running too much.&nbsp; I missed a couple of training sessions due to a cold, but otherwise followed my training plan.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bike : 386km<br />Running : 180km<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u>February<o:p></o:p></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Again a training month with no races. I kept to my training plan and some days ran to work and back across the fields, a round trip of 25 miles. Splitting training into 2 runs a day really worked for me and it’s something I have continued to do throughout the year.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bike : 465km<br />Running : 294km<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gCtypOzLpTw/UsBlR5-uCqI/AAAAAAAAAG0/tUlWW1bOzn0/s1600/100_1199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gCtypOzLpTw/UsBlR5-uCqI/AAAAAAAAAG0/tUlWW1bOzn0/s1600/100_1199.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 12px; text-align: start;">(my first ever 100 miles finish with my super crew)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u>March</u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14px;">23</span><sup style="line-height: 14px;">rd</sup><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14px;">&nbsp;TP100</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">This month I had my second attempt at 100 miles and I had recruited a crew to make sure I made it this time. &nbsp;The weather was extreme with the race being rerouted due to floods and below zero temperatures through the night. I remember the last 10 miles being the hardest thing I have ever done.&nbsp; Just trying to move forward and being so tired physically.&nbsp; I finished due to the fact I had a crew, and that this was the first race of the Centurion Grandslam* also kept me going.&nbsp; (*Centurion Grandslam: all 4 Centurion 100 mile races in one year).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bike : 683km<br />Running : 205km<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vA5SMxe6gvE/UsBqf44YFRI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/HGmyw_3l7Eo/s1600/DSCF2991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vA5SMxe6gvE/UsBqf44YFRI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/HGmyw_3l7Eo/s1600/DSCF2991.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my first 100 mile buckle</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xYy8NGuDt6I/UsBl87fbcBI/AAAAAAAAAHg/e3ec26p54vA/s1600/944378_543672425676046_1141627804_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xYy8NGuDt6I/UsBl87fbcBI/AAAAAAAAAHg/e3ec26p54vA/s1600/944378_543672425676046_1141627804_n.jpg" width="213" /></a><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u>April<o:p></o:p></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">14<sup>th</sup>SDW50</span><br /><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">28<sup>th</sup> Napflio medium distance triathlon</span><b><u> <o:p></o:p></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I had two races this month. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I was still recovering from the TP100 and the first 25 miles of the SDW50 was miserable.&nbsp; However at the ½ way stage I got myself together.&nbsp; The time was slow, but the weather was awful so I was happy with a finish. I am going to redo this race next year and hope for better weather.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The second race of the month was two weeks later, in Greece, my second home.&nbsp; We were blessed with a heat wave, with temperatures in the 30’s.&nbsp; I had a great run, passing a few people instead of the usual scenario of being passed. I was pleased with how I faired in the heat and don’t feel it slowed me, as it did, even some of my Greek friends.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bike :659km<br />Running :170km<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WekZjZmjOJ0/UsBlcSdH-tI/AAAAAAAAAG8/_ncohOohX_o/s1600/100_1286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WekZjZmjOJ0/UsBlcSdH-tI/AAAAAAAAAG8/_ncohOohX_o/s1600/100_1286.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 12px; text-align: start;">(Top step of the podium and feeling chuffed with myself)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u>May</u></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">18<sup>th</sup>NDW50<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(NDW50 finish.)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My second 50 mile race of the year and 3<sup>rd</sup> Centurion race. I finished in a reasonable time and was happy with the race.&nbsp; It was just a training race after all. Training between the triathlon and the 50 miles was limited to a couple of long slow runs.&nbsp; It was mostly recovery that was important.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bike :600km<br />Running :161km<o:p></o:p></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aUYyGDMUJdg/UsBmRvchWbI/AAAAAAAAAHw/5q6tE4iPRi0/s1600/DSCF2985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aUYyGDMUJdg/UsBmRvchWbI/AAAAAAAAAHw/5q6tE4iPRi0/s1600/DSCF2985.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 12px; text-align: start;">(Selfie and Cheap Sunglasses on the SDW100)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u>June</u></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">15<sup>th</sup>SDW100<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u></u></b><br /><b><u></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The second race of the Centurion Grandslam.&nbsp; With perfect running weather, this race went much better than planned or expected.&nbsp; I had set myself a target of 24 hours, which after a 27 hour TP100 seemed too much to be asking of myself.&nbsp; I spent the first 50 miles playing leapfrog with 2 or 3 other runners and then the 3</span><sup style="line-height: 115%;">rd</sup><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> 25 miles it was down to 2 of us. At around 75 miles we hooked up together for the night section and navigation and this pulled me through faster than I ever imagined I would run a 100 miles.&nbsp; We finished just under 20 and ½ hours.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bike :774km<br />Running :306km<o:p></o:p></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lww5K_zGQ0E/UsBrHVxmEkI/AAAAAAAAAIc/qiluDZ6Odx4/s1600/DSCF2990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lww5K_zGQ0E/UsBrHVxmEkI/AAAAAAAAAIc/qiluDZ6Odx4/s1600/DSCF2990.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">100 miles in one day!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NAQjjdwAxvE/UsBlhl2L1mI/AAAAAAAAAHI/OgNGmkOQgq0/s1600/1075742_609724135727269_1321954235_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NAQjjdwAxvE/UsBlhl2L1mI/AAAAAAAAAHI/OgNGmkOQgq0/s1600/1075742_609724135727269_1321954235_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 12px; text-align: start;">(Best beard in a triathlon category winner)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u>July </u></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">14<sup>th</sup>July Marlow medium distance triathlon</span><b><u><br /></u></b><b><u></u></b><br /><b><u></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A quiet month for me with just a medium distance triathlon planned.&nbsp; A local race in Marlow.&nbsp; I was looking forward to the run to see how my run training was affecting my triathlon running.&nbsp; Not a great improvement in time, but it certainly felt easier to run &nbsp;only 20km.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bike :828km<br />Running :62km<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Po17H37YAVg/UsBlDfXKWQI/AAAAAAAAAGw/_0ctydDmhwM/s1600/ndw-100-2103-centurion-running051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Po17H37YAVg/UsBlDfXKWQI/AAAAAAAAAGw/_0ctydDmhwM/s1600/ndw-100-2103-centurion-running051.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 12px; text-align: start;">(NDW100 Looking good somewhere in the first 40 miles.&nbsp; <br />But it wasn’t to be)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u>August</u></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">10<sup>th</sup>NDW100</span><br /><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">24<sup>th</sup> Big/Little Woody<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">This was my worst month of the year. I pulled out of the NDW100 (and the Centurion Grandslam) with an injury.&nbsp; No excuses.&nbsp; It just wasn’t my day.&nbsp; 2 weeks later I had planned the Big Woody.&nbsp; A full distance triathlon.&nbsp; I contacted the organisers and was allowed to downsize to the medium distance held on the same day. Swimming was ok and cycling only hurt a little.&nbsp; I was able to complete the 20k run in a slower but reasonable time.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-no-proof: yes;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_8" o:spid="_x0000_i1027" type="#_x0000_t75" style='width:451.5pt;height:338.25pt; visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\PCORDE~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image012.jpg" o:title="DSCF3273"/></v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bike :754km<br />Running :174km<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oONOqMe6A20/UsBl3K5M22I/AAAAAAAAAHY/9MOh8SXF0Mo/s1600/DSCF3273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oONOqMe6A20/UsBl3K5M22I/AAAAAAAAAHY/9MOh8SXF0Mo/s400/DSCF3273.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 12px; text-align: start;">(Big/Little Woody swim exit)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u></u></b><br /><b><u></u></b></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vTgUP_sLFgs/UsBmXRo_LPI/AAAAAAAAAH0/rBUJvk653Jo/s1600/bike3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vTgUP_sLFgs/UsBmXRo_LPI/AAAAAAAAAH0/rBUJvk653Jo/s1600/bike3.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 12px; text-align: start;">(Colour coordinated Cyclothon)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u></u></b><br /><b><u></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u>September</u></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">5<sup>th</sup>Cyclothon<br />8<sup>th</sup> Challenge Henley</span><br /><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">21</span><sup style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">st&nbsp;</sup>Equinox 24</span><b><u> <o:p></o:p></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">This was my big month.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp; </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">A 12 hour bike ride followed 3 days later by a long distance tri and then I threw in a 24hour race to see what they were like, as I thought this would be fun.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp; </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">It was, and I completed 100 miles in just over 21 hours and called it a day as I wasn’t going fast enough to podium. After the DNF at the NDW100 it was also a good mental boost.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-no-proof: yes;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_10" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" style='width:192pt;height:2in; visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\PCORDE~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image016.jpg" o:title="100_1421"/></v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14px;">Bike :1217km</span><br /><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14px;">Running :213km</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7QjkcYVTRdA/UsBlro2jGSI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/vtGbuDWUls4/s1600/100_1421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7QjkcYVTRdA/UsBlro2jGSI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/vtGbuDWUls4/s1600/100_1421.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 14px; text-align: start;">(Equinox 24)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u>October</u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This was going to be a focused month on getting ready for the W100. I didn’t do a few of the shorter planned training days and did ½ the distance on the mid week medium length runs, but kept to the long weekend ones that I enjoy the most.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bike :592km<br />Running :227km<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u>November<o:p></o:p></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Races: 30<sup>th</sup>W100</span><b><u> <o:p></o:p></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I only ran 16km this month leading to the winter 100.&nbsp; I really didn’t feel like running and didn’t have the mojo to run.&nbsp; This luckly changed once we started the race and after a little down at about mile 30ish I really enjoyed the rest of the run and got my running mojo back. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bike :771km<br />Running :187km<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u>December</u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I only ran 2 runs this month.&nbsp; One a week after the W100 and one more the following week.&nbsp; I enjoyed both and wanted to run more.&nbsp; I think the dark mornings and nights helped me stem that feeling as after a big year I knew I needed to rest.&nbsp; My training will start on the 6<sup>th</sup> of January ready for my first A race in May.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bike :504km<br />Running :12km<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The year was full of ups and downs In my running. I finished my first 100 miler. I then pb’ed my 100 miles by 7 hours. Then I went on to DNF my 3<sup>rd</sup> 100 mile of the year. I bounced back with a 21 hour 100 miles in a 24 hour race. Then finished my 4<sup>th</sup> 100 mile finish of the year in a sub 24 (100 miles in one day). It was a fantastic year of achievements for me, something I couldn’t of imagined even attempting 5 years ago when I took the first running step into the unknown.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I placed 2<sup>nd</sup>overall in my only bike race of the year and finished well in all my triathlons although I had to downsize one due to an injury from running. The icing on the triathlon cake was an AG top step of the podium in one race.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OD4Jz89tXm0/UsBp3NFt0DI/AAAAAAAAAIM/WuVIZVTPvnM/s1600/podium2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OD4Jz89tXm0/UsBp3NFt0DI/AAAAAAAAAIM/WuVIZVTPvnM/s1600/podium2.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cyclothon 2013 2nd place 12 hour solo.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LSF1y9m-Q0o/UsBpdhaxzJI/AAAAAAAAAIA/t1JgGDZ9aOA/s1600/100_1411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LSF1y9m-Q0o/UsBpdhaxzJI/AAAAAAAAAIA/t1JgGDZ9aOA/s1600/100_1411.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Victor Ubogu from Cyclothon<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>Ultra Hippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07333037706142713838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905983866844793035.post-90092578509790044962013-12-08T04:35:00.000-08:002013-12-08T05:51:26.993-08:00W100<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><h2><b>Winter 100</b></h2><div class="MsoNormal">This was a local race for me. The start is 6.5 miles from my house. I was tempted to cycle to the start but instead, got up early and got a lift to Didcot where I got the train to Goring.&nbsp; I met Martin Pether on the train and once in Goring we headed for the Morrell room hall.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-icU0bseLa6E/UqRmwcB6I5I/AAAAAAAAAGI/tWNEtLrD0Vc/s1600/Morrells+room.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-icU0bseLa6E/UqRmwcB6I5I/AAAAAAAAAGI/tWNEtLrD0Vc/s1600/Morrells+room.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Here we signed in, had a kit check and we dropped our bags.&nbsp; The race is an out and back run on 4 different spurs.&nbsp; So we would be back here every 25 miles.&nbsp; We then went to the café close by, just over the bridge and I had tea and scrambled eggs on toast. Coming back I met Stuart March on the bridge and he took a photo of me.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LKqBtvE6meM/UqRmwAnGzTI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/O9D8BvioICE/s1600/W100+me+large.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LKqBtvE6meM/UqRmwAnGzTI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/O9D8BvioICE/s1600/W100+me+large.JPG" height="215" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I was milling around at the back chatting, when I heard the countdown to the start.&nbsp; Then the horn went and I wasn’t ready I was fiddling around with my eTrex20.&nbsp; I finished putting it &nbsp;into my pack walked along doing up the clips on the front. So I was near the back and knew the path went into a single file lane.&nbsp; This was perfect as it would stop me running of like a lunatic, something which I am accustomed to do under the adrenalin rush of a race start.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The first spur was to Days Lock and back. It follows the Thames Path and is part of my regular long runs route. So I know it inside out, back to front. Dropping off the main road that takes the Thames path around some posh houses in Shillingford that don’t want to share the Thames with us plebs, I passed the leader in the second field, coming back.&nbsp; I checked my watch and it was 1:33 into the race. I got to Days Lock in 1:47. Although it was a shorter spur at 19km (12.5 miles should be 20km) I was still way to fast.&nbsp; I had decided on the strategy I used on the SDW100 earlier in the year, as it had worked well there.&nbsp; This was to take a 24 hour pace plan, which I had written down and laminated and attached to a race belt and just chip away a few minutes on it at each aid station. This meant I could always fall back to 24 hours as a race plan, but could try for the 20 hours, which, on a good day is possible for me. &nbsp;On the way back I checked my watch again at the place the leader had past me. He was almost 30 minutes up on me already. Amazing speed to be running a 100 mile race!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">On the way back to Streatley I started to get a really sore undercarriage.&nbsp; I was wearing a pair of lycra running shorts that I have used often and a pair of tights over the top that I had also used quite a few times, but I had never worn them together one over the other.&nbsp; I had done this as I didn’t want to have to stop and put the tights on when I got back to Streatley.&nbsp; However, what this now meant was that I needed a complete change into another pair of tights and no shorts underneath. While at it I also changed my tshirt.&nbsp; With copious amounts of Sudocrem this solved the problem for the next 75 miles. Having a ‘base’ you keep returning to was great as I had a rucksack full of spare clothes.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Chris Mills was helping out at the race and offered to pace me from 75 miles.&nbsp; I said I’ll think about it and let him know.&nbsp; My hesitation was because I have only ever tried with a pacer once before and I blew up with and injury before getting to him. Possibly caused be trying to go to fast. So having a pacer waiting was going to feel like a bad omen for me.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r2f1e4nCYHQ/UqRmvyZopVI/AAAAAAAAAGM/0YKuHN_zyFw/s1600/300px-Ridgeway_mongwell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r2f1e4nCYHQ/UqRmvyZopVI/AAAAAAAAAGM/0YKuHN_zyFw/s1600/300px-Ridgeway_mongwell.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">The next stage on the Ridgeway to Swyncombe, was the hardest and I had a little low at the start of it.&nbsp; The usual things going through my mind like, ‘100’s are hard. I should make this my last one’. It didn’t last long and I never once thought of quitting. After North Stoke a lot of this section was uphill. It runs through Grims Ditch, which in the summer is covered in purple flowers and an absolute delight to run through.&nbsp; Remembering the reccies along this section and how much fun they had been certainly helped get through it with 30 miles already in the legs. I crossed a road where someone’s supporter was waiting. He said I was being beaten by a piece of stringer.&nbsp; I could see someone in the distance and tried to catch them.&nbsp; It took a long time to get there, but when I did I saw it was Sam (sideburns) Robson. He looked like he was going well he had ran over 100 miles already! We had a chat and then I went on my way. I arrived at Syncombe 1.5 hours up on my race plan.&nbsp; This was looking good for a sub 20! I put my head torch on here as it was starting to get dark.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The way back to Streatley was all down hill and was really enjoyable. I arrived back at Streatley in 9 and ½ hours from the start and decided to take Chris up on his offer.&nbsp; A pacer through the last part would really help.&nbsp; I had some pasta and a cup of tea. My well earned 15 minute break I like to take at the 50 mile mark. Again this is something that worked at the SDW100 and it worked again here. I often hear that time in an aid station is time wasted not moving forward, but I find the short rest actually helps me run a little faster than if I continued through and running a little faster has a positive effect on me. I left the Aid station and told Chris to expect me back at 1 am. Nici Griffin who was helping out too said she would hold me to that. So with just over 5 hours to do 25 miles I set off.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This spur is on the Ridgeway out to Chain Hill and back. I have run along the first part of this maybe 20 times.&nbsp; It is another part of my long run training loop. The first part is tarmac and although slightly uphill, easy to run and I passed a couple of people that had overtaken me at the aid station. I had seen them come in and turn around to go straight back out while I drank tea and ate pasta.&nbsp; This help solidify in my mind a break is good for me. The ridgeway up here is wide and you need to take care with the ruts caused by motorized vehicles with oversized tyres. There are also many paths crossing and spurring off the main path. Once I got to Bury Downs, the intermediate aid station I was on part of the course I had not reccied and so didn’t know. I thought it was just a 4 mile straight path.&nbsp; I took care to stop at the finger posts and check for the Ridgeway signs. Also torches coming back helped a lot. There was a left turn and amazingly I didn’t miss it. It was hard for the course markers to mark it as it was a wide path and just long grass and deep ruts so nowhere to put tape or spray arrows on the ground.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I arrived at Chain Hill at 10:32 (12:32 hours from the 10 am start) 2 hours 45 minutes.&nbsp; I would get back at 1:15 if I kept this pace up and why shouldn’t I? I had just ran uphill and now it was downhill to get back. When I got back to Bury Downs car park I had a nice surprise. &nbsp;Two of my triathlete friends from the Oxford Wakeboard &amp; Ski Club where we swim had turned up to cheer me on.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">I was heading back nicely drifting in my thoughts when I hit some tarmac.&nbsp; I knew I hadn’t passed certain landmarks I was looking for and that I shouldn’t be on tarmac yet. However in my sleep deprived state I just carried on down the tarmac road. I got to a village I didn’t recognise and it was then I decided to get my eTrex20 out and check.&nbsp; I was not on the Ridgeway anymore. As I already knew, but hadn’t done anything about it.&nbsp; I turned around and headed back. I saw a footpath that looked like it cut back in the right direction, so took that.&nbsp; It ended up circling around and going back onto the ridgeway where I had inadvertently left it. I think I had gone the wrong way for 20 minutes meaning I had lost 40 minutes time as I would have been 20 minutes further up the path in that time.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I arrived back in Streatley at 7 minutes to 2am.&nbsp; Chris was ready to go but I needed 5 minutes.&nbsp; I got some beans and a cup of tea. 25 miles to go. I was a bit annoyed with myself for not paying attention and losing 40 minutes, but I was still on for a sub 24.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The last leg was along the Thames path again. This time to Reading and back. The first 4 miles is nice to run. It’s up hill through some trees on a nice path.&nbsp; Then after Whitchurch the path is pretty boring, running through fields until Purley.&nbsp; I was glad to have Chris with me for this as our chatter kept me going. At Purley you run through a housing estate then cross the railway and down a massive amount of steps to get back to the river. Here it is a short run along the river banks through Caversham until you get to the turn around point. We did this in around 3 hours.&nbsp; Then it was 3 hours back to Streatley.&nbsp; Just after Whitchurch I saw Martin Pether. We stopped and had a chat for a minute. He was suffering with a chest infection for the whole race, but was going to complete it.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The last few minutes into Streatley I realised I was on for sub 22 and ran as hard as I could after 100 miles, but didn’t quite make it coming in 21 seconds over 22 hours.&nbsp; Another sub 24 100 miler. So I was very pleased.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I really enjoyed this race.&nbsp; We were lucky with the weather and the lack of mud contributed to my enjoyment.&nbsp;&nbsp;<o:p></o:p><br /><br /><a href="http://www.centurionrunning.com/results/2013/winter-100-2013-race-report/" target="_blank">Centurion Running</a></div>Ultra Hippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07333037706142713838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3905983866844793035.post-49712250616333435212013-03-15T05:45:00.001-07:002013-03-15T05:45:08.225-07:002012 round up<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">2012. My season started early with my first attempt at a double Ironman in February on the island of Lanzarote. The weather conspired against the race, but my goal to finish was achieved with 15th place. A double ironman is a 7.2km swim, followed by a 360km bike ride and then a double marathon. The event ended up being a double duathlon with the swim replaced by a ½ marathon run due to safety concerns with under currents in the sea. So I still have a ‘true’ double as a g</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">oal. This is now planned for 2014 as next year I have decided to concentrate on ultra running. Full race report here:&nbsp;<a href="http://paul-corderoy.wix.com/triathlon#!race-reports" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://paul-corderoy.wix.com/triathlon#!race-reports</a><br /><br />March saw me attempt my first 100 mile run. I believe this was harder than double iron. Maybe because it was too close to the double iron for proper recovery between the two events or maybe because it’s all running so no changing events over the 30 hours it would take me. I pulled out at mile 71 when the sun came up and the weather changed to very cold and wet (later to snow and the race was pulled due to unsafe weather) I had done the hard bit and run through the night! It felt so good to be challenged and because I didn’t complete it I had found a goal that needs to be beat. Next year I have signed up for all 4 centurion 100 mile races.<br /><br />In June I entered an Olympic distance tri in Greece. The logistics were easy for me as we have a family summer house where the race was and my spare road bike is left in Greece. So it was a just for fun race. Sometimes the without the self imposed pressures things work out better than you could plan for I came 3rd in my age group.<br /><br />Later in the same month I had a rather flooded and muddy ½ iron dist in Marlow. Again it was just for fun as I live near Marlow and just wanted a training race. I was 3rd in age group.<br /><br />In August I found another localish ½ iron distance race and ran that coming 5th in Age group.<br /><br />During the year I had seen an advert for a 12 hour bike ride around brands hatch. The thought of cycling on near perfect tarmac for 12 hours appealed to me so even though it was 4 days before my A race – Challenge Henley on Thames I signed up for it. I realised near the end I was possibly in the top 5 and was correct as I finished 3rd over all. Full race report here:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fpaul-corderoy.wix.com%2Ftriathlon%23%21race-reports&amp;h=KAQG-n8bV&amp;s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://paul-corderoy.wix.com/triathlon#!race-reports</a><br /><br />Challenge Henley an iron distance triathlon 3 days later was interesting. A faster swim and run mixed with a slower bike, as my legs were still feeling the 12 hour effort left me with an Ironman and course PB up by an hour on my previous years time. Full report here:<a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fpaul-corderoy.wix.com%2Ftriathlon%23%21race-reports&amp;h=cAQFhQLsB&amp;s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://paul-corderoy.wix.com/triathlon#!race-reports</a><br /><br />After Henley my knees were starting to feel the year’s efforts and on my training run I started to get a lot of pain at 7 miles. So I stopped running and kept fit by cycling. 4 weeks later in October I ran the Henley ½ Marathon. Still injured and a little disappointed with the time. Originally it was going to be an A race where I planned to beat 1:30, but it wasn’t to be.<br /><br />The season finished with Athens Marathon in November. I was still not training due to my knee, so the 3:30 target time had to be forgot and anything under 5 hours was going to be ok. On a hot day I ran the marathon for fun and thoroughly enjoyed it. This year my swimming has improved and I think this was from a coach telling me ‘Paul has an unorthodox swimming technique, but I wouldn’t try and change it as he gets the results he wants with it and can swim the distances he wants to.’ This helped because I relaxed and just started to enjoy swimming rather than worry about technique all the time. The same with running. I now don’t really plan exactly what I am going to do. I do have training pencilled in a diary, but if I feel like it on a weekend I will just make up a 4 hour or 5 hour route and go and enjoy myself on the local national trails, I am lucky enough to live near.<br /><br />My knee is better now and I have started training for my first 100 mile which isn’t that far away in March. My schedule for next year is heavier than 2012, but the plan is that the races between the 100 milers are all just long training sessions. I have planned 2013 and 2014 in full already and every race is a step to the next one. My mantra has always been: how can you complete an ironman if you can’t complete this (when running a ½ iron to keep me going). Or: how can complete a double iron if you can’t complete this (when in an Ironman). Which means, I always need the next longer race planned! So watch this space. My 2013 plans can be found here:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fpaul-corderoy.wix.com%2Ftriathlon%23%212013&amp;h=yAQHuwmt0&amp;s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://paul-corderoy.wix.com/triathlon#!2013</a></span>Ultra Hippyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07333037706142713838noreply@blogger.com0